Sneak Peek - Lowepro's New DSLR Video Fastpack AW

When you look at the new DSLR Video Fastpack, you see a next generation backpack that's evolved from the original (and popular) Fastpack. With the current model, Lowepro has updated both the design and function. The official announcement is just days away. But I've been using a test model for nearly 3 months, and I'm going to show you some of the features that have impressed me.

Mobility Redefined

Clever Fastpack Access that combines easy entry for your gear when you need it, yet allows you to keep it protected and organized during transport.

Lightweight, Stylish Design that doesn't attract attention in urban settings. Even the Lowepro logo is stitched with black thread to downplay recognition.

All Weather Cover that is stored in the bottom of the pack, but can be quickly deployed to cover the entire bag in just seconds. Helps protect gear from the elements.

Audio Organizer Pouch to tame those cords from microphones and the rest of your sound gear.

Hide Away Hip Belt Storage for you when don't need the hip belt and want it out of your way.

DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW with Quick Access Open

What Makes it a Fastpack?

All three models (150, 250 & 350) provide side access to your camera. Here's how to best take advantage of this feature. First, loosely buckle the hip belt so you have a few extra inches of room around your waist. Then slide the top strap off your right shoulder, and swing the bag around to your front from the left side. Open the side zipper compartment and retrieve the camera. The hip belt will keep the pack attached to your body, even if the other shoulder strap slides off. Once camera is in hand, swing the pack around to the back again so it's out of your way while shooting. This entire procedure takes only seconds. The outer security strap will keep the rest of your gear in place during this process.

DSLR Video Fastpack 150 AW with Tripod

Side Mount Tripod Holder

For portable tripods, such as the Joby Gorillapod Focus, you can use the side mesh pocket with top side strap to secure it during transport. For larger tripods and video rigs, pull out the tripod cup that's stashed behind the mesh pocket. When you're not using it, it hides neatly away behind the mesh pocket.

Camera Compartment for DSLR Video Fastpack 150 AW

Choosing the Right Size Bag for your Gear

Nimble photographers should be well-served with the DSLR Video Fastpack 150 AW. It secures up to a 13" laptop or table. I've been using it with both a MacBook Air and an iPad with room to spare. The camera compartment will hold up to a Canon 5D Mark II (no grip) with 24-105 f/4 zoom (as shown above). I've been toting the Canon 60D with 15-85mm zoom (closer to the gear Lowepro recommends for this bag), plus a Canon 320 EX flash (left side) and an Olympus PEN with 17mm f/2.8 lens (right side). If needed, I can store additional lenses or another compact camera in the top personal compartment.

Camera Compartment for DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW

For event coverage and bigger jobs, the DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW holds more gear. For computer, it accommodates up to a 17" laptop. In the camera compartment I reconfigured the dividers so I could store a Canon 5D with a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom attached to the body. It looks like there's enough head room for a grip also, but I wasn't able to test that. I also had room for the 16-35mm f/2.8 and 24-105mm f/4 zooms.

As I mentioned earlier, I did rearrange the dividers for this set up. Lowepro provides you with a stock configuration when they ship the bag, but you're not limited to that. For my set up, I removed the right divider, took the left divider, turned it around and placed it on the right side to hold the 16-35 and 24-105. This is a perfect set up for event photography, allowing me quick access to the 5D Mark II with the 70-200mm f/2.8 attached. For different gigs, I might move the dividers around again.

If you have tons of gear, you can fill up the DSLR Video Fastpack 350 AW. I didn't have one for testing, so we'll have to wait for the official announcement to see the specs for it.

Fastpack 250 and 150 Side by Side

Pricing and Availabilty

We should see an official announcement from Lowepro as early as Oct. 3 with pricing information and availabilty. From what I understand, the pricing will be very competitive. If you're attending PhotoPlus Expo on Oct. 27-29 in New York City, you can see the bags in person at the Lowepro booth.

In addition to his other photography pursuits, Derrick Story serves as the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

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In a purchase some months I paid €105+ for a Lowepro product - it was to carry my 2 SLRS and the other accoutrements that photographers carry (spare batteries / lenses / laptop computer / flash and related equipment. Notably however it did not alow me strap on even the most basic/lightweight tripod. The Lowepro bag I bought was so heavy and so over engineered that it reduced what I could carry and did not compensate with any added level of protection - in fact the side opening was often a dangerous nuisance.

In utter contrast the amazon basic bag I bout in the US for 25% of the Lowepro price is a joy, light, compact, with basic strapping that carries a basic tripod its only deficiency is that it does not seemed to be designed for a laptop - but will carray a notebook adequately.

Alas I consider your offerings to be the most expensive overpriced, over engineered rubbish that ever thwarted a consumer; its time you folks re thought your strategy. I will be telling all my friends and club members to avoid your overpriced gear; cameras are more important than the bags to carry them in.

I was wondering whether I should get the 250AW or the 150AW. I dont know if the 150 will be big enough. I have looked on the lowepro website for the inside compartment dimensions, but my stuff will either almost fit, or almost not fit.

Do you believe that a nikon 55-300 VR lens would fit in where you put the "Olympus PEN with 17mm f/2.8 lens (right side)"?

Any reason other than size/space one would rather choose 250AW than the 150AW?

I have had several Backpack bags but find that in an urban area where you need to be fast with lens changes when required it serves me better. It also has sufficient space in there so that I can manage to get a Canon D550 in there with 5 different lenses inluding a 80-300. My flash is a bit of a problem as I also lug around and external HDD, charger etc. However when I am staying over in a hotel etc I leave the attachments I wont need there so usually not a problem. The center straps also allows me to strap on my tripod ( which is quite big) and so I am able to lug it all and access it fast.

Traveling in Africa, Asia and or other countries where things may be stolen I prefer to leave the laptop in the hotel safe.

Very nice review! Thanks!
Did you have a chance to try to fit the camera with the battery grip attached on the 250 model?
I'm going to buy this backpack soon and I'm undecided about 250 or 350.
I've a canon 7d with battery grip.
Thanks for your reply and help!
Ale